GLF69: Graham looks at the warm-up games
Pre-Season
As well as taking in our three home friendlies and two at Airdrie (a long story), I also took in the Barcelona v Hibs game at Murrayfield (don't know why it was billed as Barca at home).I decided it was too good an opportunity to miss seeing one of the top teams in Europe even if it was a game that was going to be wasted at one point with a load of substitutions etc.The starting line up on the day was a strong one, although the Spanish players who had played in Euro 2008 finals were missing. The most exciting part was the inclusion of Lionel Messi, who was the player I really wanted to see anyway.
When we got into our seats in row G we felt we were actually going to be too low to appreciate the game but as it turned out we were in the corner where Messi was to strut his stuff.Poor young left-back Hanlon had no idea what was happening as Messi brought the ball down and swept passed him in one movement.He only played for 45 minutes but it was an absolute pleasure to see someone so talented play in Scotland. Also after seeing Ronaldo play for Man Utd earlier in the year I feel Messi must be the best player in the world despite what the English media would have you believe.
On the game in general it was one of the most embarrassing one sided games I have ever seen, with Barcelona having the capability of winning the game by any score they wanted to.They were four up after half an hour and took their foot off the pedal to spare Hibs blushes I think.Not surprisingly the Barca defence wasn't troubled to by the tricky, skilful play of Colin Nish, although Steven Fletcher did manage to fashion a couple of chances that may help his move to Real Madrid!!Maybe it was lucky our Villareal friendly was called off given they finished ahead of Barca in La Liga!
Graham Barnstaple
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